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This time it was due to a faulty air bag system. We had it in for service over 4 times for the same problem. They finally replaced the entire computer system but myself and my family do not feel safe anymore so I decided again to open a claim with Nissan North America and today they approved the buy back. As some of you may know this is my second Armada and second buy back (check sig). I love my Armada but can't trust that the issue is fixed. Just thought I would share my story.

 

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how did you apply for it? share some info? thanks

Bascially what schoolzin said but Nissan is really helpful with these claims. They will contact the dealer you have it serviced at and gather all of the service records for you. It took approximately 45 days for the claim to be reviewed and the buy back approved. Like I said Nissan is really good, I didn't have to get a lawyer or have to contact the BBB. I just stated my case and concerns and they were really helpful.

I am not sure what we will replace it with but will be another full size SUV. We like the Sequoia's but they are very pricey when full loaded. We may even go back to the Armada or maybe even a QX56. We also looked at Navigators but I'm afraid Ford may get rid of Lincoln all together.

 

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you say it was the airbag system? i've had mine to the dealer 4 times for the airbag light, and now its on again. everytime they tell me that its either a seatbelt pre-tensioner or that they didnt clear the codes right the last time. but i think thats bs because i manually checked the pre-tensioners and they all work fine. and how do you not clear the codes correctly? if they didnt i dont think the light would ever go off. but every time i pick it up the light stays off for a couple months. its to the point now where i dont know if the airbag system is working, and my main reason for buying an armada was safety. thanks for the heads-up on this. also, can i lemon mine, being that i didnt buy it new, and it now has 45k on it?

That's exactly what happened with mine. I am not 100% sure about the lemon law but I think you have to be under 36k miles for it to be covered.

Have they replaced the computer? That's what they did with mine after the 4th attempt.

 

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Found some good info on the California Lemon Law.

PDF:
http://autopedia.com/html/LemonLaw/CA_lemonlaw4.pdf

http://autopedia.com/html/LemonLaw/CA_lemonlaw.html

Looks like to qualify you have to be under 18,000 miles.

 

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and let me tell you, for working at a dealership for 3 years and hearing A TON of complaints about various vehicles i only recall one actually being bought back- and it was a 2004 nissan armada, for the brake issue. Its not easy having a manufacturer say "arite heres your 50 grand back", but it does and it should happen when the customer deserves it, best of luck to you my friend, and speak to an attorney.

check this link http://www.carlemon.com/lemon/CA_law.html

The break issue was the reason Nissan bought back my 2005 Armada. You really don't need a lawyer unless they decline your claim. In both instances Nissan was very understanding and worked with me very well without hiring a lawyer. From what the Rep told me is that they do not like to "mess" around with claims in California because of the strict laws we have.

 

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So this Friday will be my last day with the Armada. My wife and I spent the weekend looking at all SUV's and the only one that really compares is the Sequoia.

We also looked at the Navigator, Expedition, Yukon, Tahoe, Denali and Escalade and none of them to me even compare to the Armada or Sequoia. Right now we are leaning towards the Sequoia but we'll see this weekend.

We also looked at the Honda Pilot and they are pretty nice and affordable but I think a little too small for us. A fully loaded Pilot is about $10k cheaper than a fully loaded Armada and Sequoia!!!

 

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Just curious, but what dealership are you working with? I live in central CA (clovis) and was wondering if I know the dealership.

We visited pretty much every dealership on Blackstone and Herndon in Fresno. We really weren't working with any particular dealer.

Why not step up and get the QX?

We looked at the same SUVs that you mentioned and it came down to the Sequioa Platinum and the QX. We could not handle the lack of luxury in the Sequoia and that mess of a dash.

We did look at the QX and I can't justify spending an addtl 10k on a fancy Armada. The 2008 QX has a $7k rebate but are very scarce in my area. The '09's are in stock but base price on a '09 is right around $60k and I don't think there are any rebates on them.

I think I am done with Nissan/Infiniti. I really like the Sequoia especially the ride. It has rear independant suspension and the difference is night and day.

 

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I had a big issue with the dealer and nissan when i bought my 2008 armada le, the only thing that did not come with was the dvd, so i had the dealer install an aftermarket brand 10", well, when i picked it up, i ended up with a 8.5", the dealer did not notify me of any change during the installation, i put a complaint with NISSAN and they were so unprofessional, i also called the BBB, they are so full of it too, they did not help me at all. I am very very concern about your issue, I hope this does not happen to mine, the only thing that annoys about mine is that every time i fill up my tank, it does not go all the way, i have to wait two or even three starts for the gauge to go all the way back, I am a very busy person and i have not had the chance to take it back. I also own a pilot, and I would have gone with another pilot but the armada was a bigger and price was a big factor, but let me tell you, i have owned hondas and honda factory has helped me many times. thank you.

Sorry to hear about your problems. The fuel gauge issue is very common. Make sure your Armada is completely off before and during fueling. This should fix that issue.

I have been looking at the '09 Pilot. They are very nice and their price is what gets my attention. I can get a fully loaded 4x4 Touring model for about $35k. This is almost $8k less than the '08 Seqouia Limited I am looking at. The only downside is the size of the Pilot. They are little smaller and tow capacity is only 4500lbs.

 

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So I ended up going with the Pilot. With all the talk going on about Nissan and my previous experience with 2 Lemons I couldn't justify buying another one. We looked at the Buick Enclave. It was nice but didn't want to buy a GM product. It came down to a '08 Sequoia Limited 4x2 or a '09 Honda Pilot Touring 4x4 and we went with the Pilot. Almost $9k less than the Sequoia.

Well it was fun guys and girls! I will still lurk this site though.

Here are a few pics of the Pilot. I already started the mods!!!


I added OEM Running Boards, Front and Rear Aluminum Under Trim, Moonroof Deflector and Cargo Tray.

6000k HID and Luminic Yellow Fog Lights

LED License Plate Bulbs

I painted the stock grille black.

Weathertech Floorliners for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rows.